The Veterans of Foreign Wars Pennsylvania held its 98th Annual State Convention on June 14-17 in Pittsburgh. A memorial service was held Wednesday. The numbers of deceased members from last year’s memorial service to this year’s service are: 1,920 VFW Post members and 487 VFW Auxiliary members. Nominations and elections for the year 2017-18 were held and the following officers were installed: Pa. State Commander Dwight R. Furman from Post 8896; Sr. Vice Commander Thomas (Ace) Hanzes from Post 7599; Jr. Vice Commander Wayne Perry from Post 7505; State Adjutant/Quartermaster Reelected John B. Getz from Post 3376; State Judge Advocate Reelected Frank J. McGovern; State Surgeon Reelected Nelson Lowes Sr. From Post 734; State Chaplain Reelected Peter R. Hook From Post 6393; State Inspector Reelected Michael G. McLane from post 7069; National Council member Reelected Robert C. Eiler from post 8805; Chief of Staff John A. Brenner from Post 2493.
POW/MIA Chairman Report
The Department of Defense wants family members of all veterans that are Missing In Action to give a DNA Sample. The phone number for the branches of service are: Army (800) 982-2490; Marines (866) 210-3421; Navy (800) 443-9298; Air Force (800) 531-5803; Coast Guard (202) 795-6637. When you call them, have all of your important information handy: Your relation to the veteran, (family member) the war they were in, the time period, where they were stationed and service number. Once that is received, they will send out a test kit with instructions. This is FREE. The time frame is about two weeks to get the results. It should be noted that once all family members become deceased, it is almost impossible to identify the remains.
Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium
Last week, VFW Director of National Security and Foreign Affairs Sarah Maples spoke at the 30th Annual Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium (JWLS) Air Force Day in Norfolk, Va. The JWLS is the largest gathering of service women worldwide. Each year, it brings together service women and men, leaders, decision makers and policy influencers to address global military challenges and encourage and strengthen the leadership development of women from all five armed services. This year’s theme was “Charting Your Course, Navigating Your Future!” and focused on opportunities and insights for those who serve in the military, while exploring options and providing tools for their future. Addressing over 140 airmen, Maples focused on how to ensure future policies protect and support the advancement of women in the military.
POW/MIA Update
John D. Armstrong, 24, of Hutchinson, Kan., was buried June 17 in his hometown. A former U.S. Navy Reservist, Armstrong was training with the Flying Tigers at Kyedaw Airfield, a British Royal Air Force airfield outside of Toungoo, Burma, in 1941. Armstrong was killed in a midair collision during a training flight on Sept. 8, 1941.
Navy Fireman 1st Class Charles W. Thompson, 19, of Weaubleau, Mo., was buried June 17 in his hometown. Thompson was assigned to the USS Oklahoma, which was moored off Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Army Sgt. 1st Class Harold P. Haugland, 22, of Belgrade, Mont., was buried June 17 in Bozeman, Mont. Haugland was a member of Company D, 15th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, part of the 31st Regimental Combat Team. Haugland was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1951.
Army Pvt. Walter F. Piper, 21, of Williamstown, N.J., was buried June 17 in his hometown. Piper was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. Piper was reported missing in action on Feb. 13, 1951.
Army Cpl. Edward Pool, 22, of Paso Robles, Calif., will be buried June 19 in Portland, Ore. Pool was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, while serving with 31st Heavy Mortar Company, 31st Infantry.
Army Cpl. Edward L. Borders was a member of Dog Battery, 82nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion (Automatic Weapons), 2nd Infantry Division. Borders’ unit, part of Support Force 21. Interment services are pending.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
